The Chicago Cubs have had a busy MLB offseason. Trading 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, Chicago was able to replace him with three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Chicago acquired Tucker in a trade wit the Houston Astros, and the left-handed slugger avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $16.5 million contract. Also signing free agent starting pitcher Matthew Boyd after his resurgence with the Cleveland Guardians, the Cubs have rounded out their roster nicely before the 2025 MLB season.
On Tuesday, the team made a new addition, signing a veteran right-handed slugger Justin Turner for $6 million (via Jordan Bastian of MLB.com).
Turner began last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, appearing in 91 games before being traded to the Seattle Mariners at the deadline
A 16-year MLB veteran, Turner broke in with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009 before getting his first extended opportunity with the New York Mets from 2010-13. Appearing in 301 games for New York, Turner entered free agency in 2013 where he signed with the Dodgers, a decision that would change the trajectory of his career.
Spending nine seasons in Los Angeles, the Southern California native became the franchise’s all-time leader in postseason hits, RBI and home runs (tied with Max Muncy and Corey Seager).
Seattle Mariners first baseman Justin Turner (2) acknowledges the crowd against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Following the news that has team had signed Turner, Cubs star shortstop Dansby Swanson shared his reaction.
“He’s someone that we can really learn a lot from,” Swanson said. “Just his experience, he’s just such a pro at what he does. That will really impact this group.”
Turner is not the player he once was, but the 40-year-old right-hander still posted a 114 OPS+ between Seattle and Toronto last season.
